Data and methodological information
Methodological information
The Consumer Expectations Survey is a mixed frequency modular survey, conducted online. The survey structure and data collection provide timely quantitative and qualitative euro area information that facilitate direct cross-country comparisons. The methodology used in the survey is explained in further detail below.
CES aggregate statistics
The main aggregate results of the CES are published on the ECB’s website in the last 10 days of every month. The dataset available in this section of the CES webpages contains all the figures on which the four topical reports from the “Latest results” section are based. The indicators included in these reports cover the main areas for which the survey regularly gathers information, either on a monthly or quarterly basis. For more information on how these aggregate indicators are computed, please refer to the guide below.
Aggregate statistics data set (includes 11 euro area countries)
Aggregate statistics data set (includes 6 euro area countries until December 2023)
CES microdata
Since November 2022, the CES microdata is published on the ECB’s website following a quarterly release schedule. They are individual-level datasets structured according to the survey modules: background, monthly and quarterly. Furthermore, the monthly and quarterly files are split by year. In November 2024, an additional set of non-regular variables from the monthly module has been made available. In addition micro data from CES topical modules, each fielded annually, are available in the CES in depth section. Metadata information on variable names, value labels and the number of observations in each survey round is also provided jointly for all modules. The microdata guide below provides a comprehensive overview of variables from all modules. With the 2024 Q2 release, microdata include an updated set of personal panel IDs without any further implications for users.
The CES microdata are collected and anonymised by IPSOS public affairs. In addition, the ECB conducts its own confidentiality analysis to ensure that personal information cannot be used to match respondents to external sources and that all data are published in a manner compliant with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
All published and unpublished analysis and research conducted using the CES microdata should cite the following official source: ECB Consumer Expectations Survey. In addition, the following acknowledgement statement must be included: ‘This paper uses data from the ECB Consumer Expectations Survey.
To help the CES team keep track of research using the CES, all research publications are recommended to include the key word “Consumer Expectations Survey” on the title page and reference to the following three publications in the relevant part of the paper explaining the data source:
ECB (2021), “ECB Consumer Expectations Survey: an overview and first evaluation”, Occasional Paper Series, No 287, ECB, December 2021.
ECB (2024), “ECB Consumer Expectations Survey Methodological information on the survey”, ECB CES website, February 2024.
Georgarakos, D. and Kenny, G. (2022), “Household Spending and Fiscal Support During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Insights from a New Consumer Survey”, Journal of Monetary Economics, Vol. 129, 2022, pp. 1-14.
Disclaimer for the use of CES microdata
By downloading the data, you agree to the following terms:
1. You will not use the data for any purpose other than for scientific purposes or in support of measures or decisions concerning any particular establishment, enterprise, economic entity or other undertaking.
2. You will not disclose or otherwise employ the data for commercial purposes.
3. You acknowledge that the data is based on self-reported responses collected from survey participants. While every effort has been made by the ECB to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data, users should be aware that all survey data is subject to possible measurement error.
4. You acknowledge that the ECB disclaims any responsibility or legal liability for results derived from and/or interpretation based on the data.
5. You will refrain from any attempt to de-anonymise the data, and you will not combine the data with data from other databases containing information on individuals with that aim in mind.
6. You will mention the source of the data in any publication including, in particular, tables and charts compiled on the basis of the data. The data source must be cited as “ECB Consumer Expectations Survey”. In addition, the following acknowledgement statement must be included: “This paper uses data from the ECB Consumer Expectations Survey."
7. You will send a copy of any research based on CES data to the ECB by email: ecb-ces@ecb.europa.eu.